Learning and You

Dr. David P. ByersApril 2010

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As an adult student, in a graduate-level program, one of the most important things to realize is that the teaching/learning model at this level is typically much different than when you were in grade school and high school.

Introduction

THENNOW

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Pedagogy vs. Andragogy

• Two important terms you should know are:• Pedagogy • Andragogy

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Pedagogy

• Pedagogy—typically instructor-directed learning where the teacher determines all of what the student should learn, how, and why because the he/she has little in the way of life experiences• Sometimes described as the

instructor pouring knowledge into the student’s head.

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Andragogy

– Andragogy—typically more student-directed learning where the adult learner shares a greater responsibility for his/her learning experiences • The student brings to the class diverse life

experiences to share and learn from in relation to new information acquired thus directing what he/she needs and wants from the learning program. (This is a big part of the MLDR!)

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself, any direction you choose. Dr. Seuss 5

Learning Is Really Up to You

"You can get help from teachers, but you are going to have to learn a lot by yourself, sitting alone in a room." Dr. Seuss

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Success Is Optional

So, what are your responsibilities to help you be successful in your graduate program?

The next few slides will help you learn more about this topic.

Today you are you, that is truer than true.

There is no one alive who is youer than you.

Dr. Seuss

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SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING ASSESSMENT INVENTORY

INSTRUCTIONS: Using the scale below, rate the degree to which you possess the following skills and attitudes for success for your graduate-level studies.

• 0= NOT AT ALL • 3 = SOMEWHAT • 5 = COMPLETELY Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way. Dr. Seuss

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0= NOT AT ALL

3 = SOMEWHAT

5 = COMPLETELY

____1. I realize that my success in the program is ultimately up to me. ____2. I believe that the more I put into my learning experiences in this program, the more I’ll get out of them and so will my peers.

____3. I understand that reading ALL instructions, texts, support materials, emails, and announcements—more than once if necessary—will help me better comprehend the materials and to understand what is expected of me.

____4. It is imperative to have a strong desire to do my work to the very best of my ability each week.

If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good.

Dr. Seuss

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0= NOT AT ALL

3 = SOMEWHAT

5 = COMPLETELY

____5. I understand that I must manage my time very well in order to get my work done on time.

____6. I understand that making excuses for not doing my

best with each assignment does nothing for anyone.

____7. As needed, I will actively seek help from other resources to strengthen my ability to effectively read and write, to use the technology used in this program, or whatever else I need to be successful.

And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and

three-quarters percent guaranteed.

Dr. Seuss

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____8. I plan to proactively ask my instructor questions when I need help. ____9. I desire to be a role model as I interact with my peers in the class to help them get the most out of their learning experiences.

____10. I realize that everything I do (or don’t do) in this program tells people who I am as an individual, as well as a leader.

0= NOT AT ALL

3 = SOMEWHAT

5 = COMPLETELY

Sometimes the questions are complicated

and the answers are simple. Dr. Seuss

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Go, Go, Go• The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” Dr. Seuss

• Self-efficacy is “the belief in one’s capabilities to organize and execute the courses of action required to manage prospective situations” (Albert Bandura, 1995). – In other words, self-efficacy is a

person’s belief in his or her ability to succeed in a particular situation.

– How much do you believe in your ability to succeed in this program?

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Conclusion

The more you learn—the more you know!

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